Citation

Niedbala DK. J. Trauma Nurs. 2007; 14(1): 55.

Affiliation

Trauma/Burn Programs, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, Mich.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Society of Trauma Nurses)

DOI

10.1097/01.JTN.0000264143.12181.ac

PMID

17420656

Abstract

This brief commentary summarizes a study that reviewed the impact of Georgia's Teenage and Adult Drivers Responsibility Act on fatal crash rates of various age groups of drivers 5 years before and after the law was enacted. The study showed that, overall, the fatal crash rate of 16-year-old drivers was 37% lower in the postenactment study period, alcohol-related crashes decreased more than 60%, and speed-related crashes decreased by 50%. However, the law had little sustainable effect on the fatal crash statistics as the teenagers aged. The commentary author considers these results from the point of view of a trauma nurse. The research is particularly important for trauma nurses who provide community prevention education. The data suggest that older adolescents and college-age young adults should be the focus of ongoing efforts for programs such as Emergency Nurses Care, Students Against Drunk Driving, and trauma nurse lectures. The commentary author stresses the importance of developing new educational strategies and continuing this safety message on the college campus.

Language: en